Petroleum jelly
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly (pronounced pəˈtroʊliəm ˈjɛli), also known as petrolatum (pronounced pəˈtroʊlətəm), is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, originally promoted as a topical ointment for its healing properties. Its name is derived from the Greek word "petra" (meaning rock) and the Latin word "oleum" (meaning oil).
History
Petroleum jelly was first discovered in 1859 by a chemist named Robert Chesebrough. He noticed that oil workers would use a gooey jelly to heal their wounds and burns. Chesebrough took samples of the jelly back to his laboratory and started experimenting with it. He eventually patented the process of making petroleum jelly in 1872.
Uses
Petroleum jelly is used in a variety of fields, including the medical, cosmetic, and personal care industries. It is often used as a lubricant or for the prevention of skin chafing. In the medical field, it is used as a moisturizer to prevent and treat dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (e.g., diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy).
Related Terms
- Hydrocarbons: Compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon.
- Ointment: A smooth substance that you rub on the skin to heal a wound or sore place.
- Lubricant: Substances that are used to reduce the friction between surfaces in mutual contact.
- Chafing: To make sore by rubbing.
- Moisturizer: A cosmetic preparation used to prevent dryness in the skin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Petroleum jelly
- Wikipedia's article - Petroleum jelly
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